Almost ready for arrival...

With just 41 days to spare before our daughter is due to arrive, we are proud to say that we have completed her room!

Although T.J. quickly finished painting the room for his little girl, we were waiting on all of the furniture to arrive, the bedding to be washed, and then the polka dots to be hung. This past weekend, we are thrilled that we were able to complete those outstanding items.


We can already imagine Elliana enjoying her room as much as we have enjoyed preparing it for her. I can already imagine spending hours in that recliner gently rocking her and reading to her. Talking to her about the love that Mommy & Daddy have for her and how we have been looking forward to being her parents all of our lives.

As you can tell, there are many clothes that are already awaiting her. Each outfit is a symbol of the many people that already love her and are looking forward to meeting her. Because believe it or not, her mommy has bought only one or two of those outfits, and the rest have been gifts for our little girl! What an incredible blessing and abundance of love, and I know that she will apprecaite it as much as I do...even if it takes her a little while :)

4th Generation on the way

As I was reviewing pictures from my baby shower this past weekend, I saw this picture and was overcome with great joy. Joy as I realized that the picture depicted at least 3 generations of women in my family, and if we are including Elliana, who is technically in the picture, it represents 4 generations!

I am excited to bring our baby girl into the world in a little over a month, and to introduce her to the many people who already love her so very much. I know her Dad & I are eagerly awaiting her arrival, but it is safe to say that we are not the only ones.

Just 46 days until we are able to meet her! I can hardly wait!

Pumpkin Festival 2008

It is a Berndsen Family tradition to attend the Minges Pumpkin Festival in the Fall each year. We were excited to go this year to look for new decorations and accessories for our new home, though we were surprised to learn how much Elliana wanted to buy!

First she begged me for the hot ear of steamed corn with butter. Given I was a little hungry, I surely wasn't going to deprive her of some vegetables! After that was gone, she kicked for some funnel cakes, which by the way both T.J. and I have to agree were by far the best funnel cake we have ever had! It was extra thick and crispy and we seriously discussed going back for another one. But...we don't want to spoil her (not yet anyway) so we decided against it.


After browsing a few more craft tents and discussing a few potential purchases, she began moving about everytime we passed the Homemade Root Beer and Kettle Corn stand. Thinking it was just a fluke, we waited in the long line and sure enough she kicked the entire time. So, being the good parents we are trying to be...we bought some of that too.


Overall, this past weekend was a new experience for us at the Minges Pumpkin Festival. We are already looking forward to going again next year and actually watching her experience it all for the first time, rather than just feeling her experience it from within my belly. This past weekend was the first time that we have ever attended, and only purchased food. As I like to say, it has to be Elliana, because I know I never ate this much before I met her :)

Fall Fun

A few weeks ago, we had our first trees in our new yard delivered and installed. It is truly amazing what a difference a little bit of nature has added to our bare lot.

Although our house felt like our home months ago, the addition of our new trees has truly begun to complete the package. We are already enjoying the beautiful fall foilage and the shade that our new Maple trees have to offer.

I just thought I would share a quick picture of the proud tree owners enjoying a bit of nature...in our own front yard :)

Those Darn Watermelon Seeds

Well last time I wrote about Ashley, I had thought maybe she was just carrying a deflated basketball under her shirt. Now, however, I’ve abandoned that idea and think I’ve figured out what is really happening.

We all remember those hot summers at the pool, right? At some point, someone decides to mix swimming with a watermelon. But it isn’t the swimming and watermelon I’m focused on here, but rather the point after swimming with the watermelon where the watermelon is cut up and everyone takes a slice.

I think every kid thinks, while eating this slice of watermelon, “What happens if I swallow a seed?” Well kids, this is what you get :

I know what your thinking, mom and dad said that wasn’t possible, but I now have proof. So kids, take it from me and my beautiful wife, DON'T EAT THOSE DARN WATERMELON SEEDS!